Sweden – Gothenburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday pitched India as a trusted and reliable global economic partner, urging European industry leaders to deepen collaboration with India across key sectors including technology, manufacturing, green energy and resilient supply chains.
Addressing the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) in Gothenburg, PM Modi said the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations would unlock major opportunities in trade, innovation and investment between the two regions.
The interaction, hosted by Volvo Group, was attended by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, senior European business leaders and representatives from leading Indian and European companies.
In his address, Modi stressed the importance of building trusted economic partnerships amid growing global uncertainties. He described the India-EU FTA as a “transformative partnership” that would significantly strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, services, manufacturing and supply chain resilience.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi also highlighted the strategic significance of connectivity initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), saying such projects would further enhance business and economic ties between India and Europe.
The Prime Minister underscored India’s rapid economic growth and reform-driven development, stating that the country has emerged as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for investment, innovation and manufacturing.
He pointed to India’s expanding digital public infrastructure, improving ease of doing business, robust manufacturing ecosystem and fast-growing infrastructure sector as key drivers of investor confidence.
Reiterating his vision of “Design for India, Make in India and Export from India,” Modi invited European companies to expand investments and strengthen long-term partnerships with India.
He also emphasised the need for India and Europe to work together to create resilient and diversified supply chains in the face of global disruptions. Modi highlighted India’s investments in transport and logistics, renewable energy, green hydrogen and nuclear energy as areas of strong collaboration potential.
The Prime Minister invited European businesses to partner with India in emerging sectors such as telecom and digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electronics and deep-tech manufacturing, green mobility, urban transformation, healthcare and life sciences.
Modi further stressed the importance of cooperation in talent mobility, education and skill development, noting that India’s young and skilled workforce would play a critical role in shaping future global economic growth.
As part of efforts to institutionalise industry-level engagement, the Prime Minister proposed holding an annual India-Europe CEOs Roundtable and suggested the creation of an India Desk at the European Round Table for Industry to facilitate closer coordination and business cooperation.
